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more liable is he to develop cancer of the lung, though other factors
certainly play a part. Should not the prudent man accept this and act
upon it?*. In Southwark in 1950 the number of deaths from cancer of the
lung amounted to 47, those due to pulmonary tuberculosis to 51. In 1958
the position had completely altered. Seventy one deaths were due to
cancer of the lung and only nineteen to pulmonary tuberculosis.
Infectious Disease
Measles was more prevalent in 1957 than in 1958 and as a result the
total number of infectious disease notifications received during 1958
was substantially lower than during the previous year. Certain features
of the diseases notified call for comment. For the first time since
1952 a case of Diphtheria was notified in the Borough. The patient had
not been immunised and although, fortunately, at no time was the child
seriously ill the occurrence of the case underlines the importance of
parents continuing to ensure that their children are immunised against
this condition, which can be a serious illness. The resistance of the
population can now be raised, by means of vaccination or immunisation,
against Smallpox, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis.
In order to reduce the number of injections which a child receives to a
minimum, some of these inoculations can be combined. Even so, a considerable
amount of effort is called for from parents in ensuring that
their children benefit by gaining the immunity against infectious
disease which is available. The protection obtained, however, will amply
reward the mother's attention to these matters.
Two cases of poliomyelitis occurred. Neither case had received
poliomyelitis vaccine. One of the patients who suffered from the
paralytic form of the disease has now no residual paralysis.
The incidence of Whooping Cough was much reduced during 1958, only
64 cases being notified. This was the lowest figure during any of the
last ten years. 310 cases were notified in 1948 and here again the effect
of immunisation is apparent. Of the alimentary infections, Dysentery
unfortunately was prominent during 1958 when there were 230 confirmed
cases as compared with 37 cases during the previous year. The control
of this infection is essentially a matter of personal hygiene and the
importance of hand-washing after visiting the toilet and before meals,
or before preparing food, cannot be over emphasised. The condition of
some houses and of some schools renders the attainment of even these
simple standards much more difficult than it should be. Until more of
the slums are cleared and more new schools are built, particular attention
must be paid to this problem.
Environmental Health
The provision of clean water, clean food, clean air and satisfactory
housing conditions are the principal objects of environmental health
measures.